Eric Adams launches safety campaign after Midwood fire

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has launched a boroughwide fire safety campaign following the fire that killed seven siblings in Midwood Saturday.

Fire officials say the blaze was started by a malfunctioning hot plate in the single-family home on Bedford Avenue. They say the home also lacked working smoke detectors on the first and second floors.

In response, community leaders on Monday distributed free smoke detectors and fire safety pamphlets. Some important tips include installing smoke detectors on every floor, within 15 feet of all sleeping areas. It is also recommended that those cooking should stay in the kitchen and make sure the stove area is clear.

Adams says that he is taking the issue of the borough's lack of a burn center seriously. He says he hopes that the renewed efforts will prevent further tragedies such as this. Plans are also underway to launch a street campaign about fire safety in various languages, according to Adams.

The seven children who perished were all members of the Sassoon family, ranging in age from 5 to 16. They were flown to Israel Monday for burial. The mother and her 14-year-old daughter are in critical condition at hospitals in the Bronx and Staten Island.